Meet Our Team
We’re Ready To Help Your Business Grow
Discover the dedicated professionals at the heart of Chesapeake Economic Development, each bringing a wealth of experience and specialized skills vital for catalyzing economic growth in Chesapeake. With a focus on strategic planning, business development, and innovative economic solutions, our team is at the forefront of fostering community development and prosperity. By leveraging their diverse expertise, they work collaboratively to enhance the city’s economic landscape, ensuring a thriving business environment. Get to know the masterminds behind our mission to drive Chesapeake forward, committed to paving the way for your prosperous future.
Meet Our Team
Steven C. Wright
Director
With more than 25 years of experience in Economic & Community Development, Steven Wright currently serves as Director of Economic Development for the City of Chesapeake. Steven has a B.S. degree in Urban Studies and Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. This is his second stint in Chesapeake, having served as a Business Development Manager from 1994 to 1999. Before returning to Chesapeake, Steven was the Economic Development Director for Isle of Wight County. Additionally, he has worked in the communities of Richmond, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Chesterfield County, VA.
Preston Wilhelm
Deputy Director
Preston Wilhelm is the Deputy Director for Chesapeake Economic Development and has nearly twenty years of experience in new and existing business development, as well as redevelopment, in the City. Prior to his current position with Economic Development, Preston held positions with Virginia’s economic development organization, Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP).
Tim Howlett
Development Services Coordinator
Tim Howlett has served the City of Chesapeake for over 30 years, beginning his career in 1992. He spent 26 years with the Planning Department before transitioning to Economic Development six years ago, where he currently serves as the Development Services Coordinator.
Specializations:
Project Management and Development Process Coordination, Community Development, Property Development, Retention and Customer Relations
Sherry Barnette
Business Development Administrator
With over 24 years of project management experience, including 9 years with the City of Chesapeake, Sherry is dedicated to supporting local businesses and fostering growth within the community. Passionate about connecting businesses to opportunities, she enjoys helping new businesses thrive and succeed in Chesapeake.
Specializations:
Business Retention, Customer Relations, Marketing, and Community Development
Kerstin "KP" Plarr
Business Development Manager
Kerstin, or "KP", has been with Chesapeake Economic Development since 2019. Since joining the department, Kerstin has gained experience in business intelligence, business retention, and attraction, and most recently she serves as the Small Business Development Manager and advocates for Chesapeake's Small Business community.
Specializations:
Small Business Development, Business Retention, Research & Marketing
Curtis Cobert
Business Development Manager
Curtis Cobert started with the department in 2021. He has more than 15 years of Economic Development experience and handles the department's Business Retention efforts as well as marketing and communications.
Specializations:
Marketing, Media Relations, Business Attraction
Constantia Cobert
Management Analyst
Constantia is a management analyst with over seven years experience working in economic development. She specializes in incentive grant administration and is responsible for application processing, monitoring and compliance of various programs and is liaison to the state and regional organizations. Constantia is committed to helping businesses navigate the grant process and see their projects through to the finish line.
Specializations:
Customer Relations and Community Development
Edie J. Saecker
Accountant II
Edie Saecker joined the Economic Development department in 2024, bringing her expertise in finance and accounting. She manages the department's budget and administrative functions and serves as the primary liaison with the Economic Development Authority.
Specializations:
Finance, Accounting, Purchasing
Austin Bussey
Business Intelligence Specialist
Austin is the Business Intelligence Specialist for Chesapeake Economic Development, and has been with the department since 2022. He focuses on research and data analysis to support the City's business attraction and retention efforts.
Specializations:
Attraction and Research & Marketing
Judith Jackson
Office Specialist I
Jude Jackson is the friendly face of Chesapeake Economic Development, providing a warm welcome and professional assistance to all visitors. Her 30+ years of experience in legal and corporate settings make her a highly skilled administrative professional, expertly managing office operations.
Specializations:
Customer Relations
Palmer Lugo
Office Coordinator
Since joining the Chesapeake Economic Development team in 2024, Palmer Lugo has served as the department’s office coordinator, leveraging her background in Marketing and expertise in diverse business operations. These include client management, project coordination, budget oversight, and human resources support, as well as building strong client relationships and enhancing customer experiences.
Specializations:
Customer Relations & Marketing
Judith Jackson
Office Specialist I
Specializations:
Customer Relations
Palmer Lugo
Office Specialist
Specializations:
Customer Relations
In Memorandum
Lloyd Jackson, Jr.
Chesapeake Economic Development mourns the loss of Lloyd B. Jackson Jr., a cornerstone in the Hampton Roads region, and within our organization. With more than 20 years dedicated to this cause, Lloyd made significant impacts in both Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.
Lloyd was a proud Chesapeake resident, a former football star at Deep Creek High School, and a standout player at Virginia State University. Known as “Mr. Retention”, he was focused on solving business problems, forming and maintaining meaningful relationships, and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
A Baltimore Ravens fan, Lloyd was also known for his love of golf, his lifelong allegiance to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity he was a member of, and his passion for mentoring the younger generation. He had a knack for cracking jokes and lightening the mood in any situation.
His legacy of resilience, generosity, and optimism will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rest in peace, Lloyd B. Jackson Jr.